l harmonies of Richard Strauss.... Herr Bech
had just finished his playing, and, as he struck the last chord of
"Death and Transfiguration," acidly remarked:

"Tin must be a great hypnotizer, lieber Stannum!"

"In alchemy, my dear Bech, tin is the sign of Jove, and Jove, you know,
hath power to evoke apocalyptic visions!"

"Both you and your Jove are fakirs!" The pianist then went away in a
rage because Stannum had slept while he played.

SIEGFRIED'S DEATH

But, as you will! we'll sit contentedly,
And eat our pot of honey on the grave.

--GEORGE MEREDITH.

I

It was finally arranged that the two women should not be present
together at the funeral. The strain might prove too great; and as Marsoc
wiped his forehead he congratulated himself that for the present at
least a horrid scandal might be averted. He had pleaded in a most
forceful manner with Selene, his sister, and it seemed to him that his
arguments had taken root. Ever since Brazier's death there had been much
talking, much visiting--and now he felt it soon would end. Oh, for the
relief of a quiet house; for the relief that must follow when the
newspaper men would stop haunting the neighborhood. The past two days
had well-nigh worn him out, and yet he hated leaving Selene to face her
troubles alone. Marsoc believed in blood and all its entailed
obligations....

The pitiless comment of the press he had hidden from his sister, but the
visit of the other woman was simply unavoidable. There were certain
rights not to be ignored, and the perfidy of the dead man placed beyond
Marsoc's power all hopes of reprisal. Brazier had acted badly, but then,
too, he had been forced by a fatal temperament into a false position--a
position from which only sudden death could rout him; and death had not
turned a deaf ear to his appeal. It came with implacable swiftness and
with one easy blow created two mourning women, a world of surmise and
much genuine indignation.

Selene sent for her brother. He went to her chamber in rather a doubting
mood. If there was to be any more backing and filling, any new
programme, then he must be counted out. He had accepted his share of the
trouble that had thrust itself into their life, and could endure no
more. On this point he solemnly assured himself as he knocked at
Selene's door. To his quick gaze she did not appear to be downcast as on
the night before.

"I sent for you, my dear Val," she said in rather acid t